Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, virtually addressed the High-Level Forum on "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization and Data Governance for Food Security and Nutrition," organized by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, Italy.
Addressing ministers, policymakers, development partners and international experts from across the world, the Federal Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and effective data governance have become indispensable tools for achieving food security, improving nutrition, enhancing climate resilience and transforming agrifood systems.
The Minister appreciated the Committee on World Food Security, FAO, WFP, IFAD and all partner organizations for convening the High-Level Forum at a time when the international community is seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to address the growing challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change and sustainable development.
Highlighting Pakistan's commitment to digital transformation, Rana Tanveer Hussain said that agriculture and livestock remain the backbone of Pakistan's economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions of people. He noted that digital innovation is no longer a choice but a necessity for improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food supply chains, enhancing risk management and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
The Minister informed the participants that the Government of Pakistan is investing in digital public infrastructure and modern data systems across the agrifood sector. He said the government's objective extends beyond digitization and focuses on developing integrated, interoperable and inclusive digital systems capable of generating actionable intelligence for policymakers, researchers, service providers and farmers.
Referring to Pakistan's livestock sector, the Minister highlighted the successful establishment of the Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System, developed with the technical support of FAO. He said the system is laying the foundation for improved animal health management, food safety, traceability and expanded market access for livestock products.
Rana Tanveer Hussain further informed the Forum that Pakistan, in collaboration with FAO, is developing a Digital Animal Disease Reporting and Disease Intelligence System, which will strengthen disease surveillance by harmonizing reporting mechanisms from provincial to federal levels. The new digital platform will significantly improve early warning systems, disease response capacities and evidence-based decision-making for animal health, zoonotic diseases and pandemic preparedness.
The Federal Minister stressed that while technological innovation presents enormous opportunities, its benefits can only be realized through responsible governance. He underlined the importance of ensuring data privacy, transparency, accountability and equitable access to digital technologies while simultaneously addressing digital inequalities through investments in infrastructure, connectivity, digital literacy and institutional capacity building.
The Minister also highlighted Pakistan's progress in strengthening evidence-based policymaking through integrated digital platforms. He informed participants that, with FAO's support, Pakistan has developed the Pakistan Subnational Food Systems Dashboard, which consolidates key indicators relating to food security, nutrition, agriculture, climate and socioeconomic conditions. The dashboard enables policymakers to identify priority areas, target interventions more effectively and monitor progress towards resilient and sustainable food systems across the country.
Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to international cooperation, Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan will continue to work closely with FAO, the Committee on World Food Security and other international partners to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, digitalization and data governance for building resilient, sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
